Had some time this week to work on current ride and plan some builds. Here is my report thus far with some changes and photos.
First board - the mutt
?Board warps?
I've noticed that the board itself seems to be warping. The rear right wheel doesn't touch the pavement on standard flat ground without weight on it. I'm just writting this off to buying a 30 dollar no name board off eBay. I had never really skated until I started e boarding. Any of you have this happen with your boards? I figure single motor torques the board uneven to one side and maybe if the board used cheap glue and low quality ply to build ( what else can one expect for 30 bucks)
Controller
I have switched from the nunchuck to a GT2b controller. I had some issues with signal drop and stutters in acceration from the wii nunchuck so sprung for a 25 euro Flysky GT2B. Thus far it has had solid connections and great performance. I have three of badwolfs V2 printed enclosures in blue and red that I will eventually transplant the innards to but for now I'm fine using the flysky as is. The transplants will probably be a rainy day activity. Been re-reading sl33py's write up - thanks for that by the way.
Motor
I swapped out my 50mm 190 Kv DIY motor which I have loved and worked hard the past few months for Enertions 63mm motor. I was impressed how the little 50 mm could move my not so small butt, however adding that 13 mm makes a huge difference! I'm a 95 kg dude and on a single motor with 83 wheels. The change in acceleration and Max speed from stepping up motor size is ridiculous. I'm mostly carving flats next to a river. There is significantly less stutter on the start ( I normally kick once or twice) and I feel like I can use more of my power (2 x 4s Lipo hard case 5000mAh in series).
ESC
torqueboards 12s ESC has held up like a champ ( props to you for the great product- ive been reading about the woes of others with inferior ESC's. I think I have two VSC's on their way ....? Marcin ?...? But for now torque's is kickin ass and taking names.
Wheels
Ultimately I'm looking for a smooth ride. So far my experience with skate wheels has been rough.....maybe I'm not using the right spacers. Reading whiteponys build maybe it's my plastic risers....? Any ideas gents?
With the change in motors and the difference in feel I thought it might be a good chance to re-try onloops (enertion) all terrain set up. Roads and sidewalks around Madrid and Alcala de Henares are far from buttery smooth and I was disappointed when I tried them with the single 50mm motor. The 50 just didn't have the power to get up and move. Starts even with a push would stutter and the motor and ESC would get hot after just a few minutes.
With the 63 motor the all terrain setup is pretty slick. I am running enertion all terrains rims with Aliendrive's slick tires. The tire and tube fit isn't exact and the tube valve throws off a the balance a bit of the wheels. Without weight the board shimmies a bit which was worries one at first but with my weight the ride was great. Can't feel the rough roads at all, traction galore and so so so smooth. I'm sure it's hell on the bearings ( especially without the spacers ) but for now it works great.
Enertion (left) vs aliendrive tires
Power systems
I over discharged my lipos when I first got them and they have been unbalanced ever since. I get maybe 8 or so Km a charge but I wanted a more stable power source. Found what I think are old bubblegum board stock online and bought a few. Li-ion 7s2p (26650 cells -3.7 4000mAh) packs with BMS, monitor and on/off switch. Haven't had a chance to hook up yet but eventually ......hoping these can replace my lipos.
Not sure what would become of my charging station as these Li-ions just plug into the wall but i think it's a step in the right direction.
I need to figure out the enclosure for these.,
Future work and refining:
I need to work on my enclosures. Right now sticky Velcro is my savior and my lipos already have hard cases. thinking whitepony is on to something with his mounting.
Next build is going to be a commuter.
I have my eye on an earthwing 34 hoopty. The board has a much shorter stance than my current 42, I think a bit more maneuverable. I'm hoping with these Li-ion packs and some big wheels and motors that I can put together a durable everyday board - it's a pretty flat commute.
